bears in the smoky mountainsbears in the smoky mountains

The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. One of the most important things to remember if you are lucky enough spot a bear is to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet (50 yards) and do not approach. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. Thank you for visiting! 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Look no further than Five Little Bears! This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. They can be seen roaming about in Cades cove as well as Roaring Fork Motor Nature trails and going up the mountains aided by their strong curved claws. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Want to get listed and grow your business? However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. While mostly docile and calm animals, elks may charge at potential threats, including humans, so its best to observe them from a distance.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); White-tailed deer are common in the Smoky Mountains Park. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Mating usually takes place in July. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Do not approach the black bear and dont the bear approach you, Act natural if the bear is at a distance, eating or is walking past you, Dont get too close as this could encourage aggressive behavior, Dont run away from the bear, slowly back away and dont take your eyes off the bear. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. You can learn more about hibernation here. These Photos Prove It. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. They can live at any elevation in the park, so you could see them near cabins in the woods or as you hike to the summit of Mt. Often, they must be euthanized. The top of the bald itself is a grassy meadow stretching over 10 acres; in early summer it fills with a riot of Azalea blooms. They grow up to 36 inches in length and have a copious body.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0'); Generally, copperheads live on rocky, woody hillsides; they like to hide under leaf litter or large moist rocks in the Smoky Mountains. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Always keep your car locked, black bears are nifty at gaining access when they want to.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',180,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-180{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Always respect bears and give them space. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Big Sky Lodge #438. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Bear Size & Color You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove is one of the best places for bear-spotting in the park, but most visitors only see it from the road, slogging through slow-moving lines of cars full of tourists. Cades Cove. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Please watch this short video. Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Do not approach the bear. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, you may be wondering when the best time to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! Make your presence known. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Head out to the Park in the early summer to witness mothers give birth to adorable calves and September-October for the annual mating season when bulls circle cows into herds. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. 250 pounds. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. The Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, 2 miles in, offers good views of the surrounding fields (now being reclaimed by the forest) and works well as a turnaround point. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. I was staying at a Lodge just about a mile off of the Gatlinburg strip last month and saw a young male black bear right outside our room in the creek. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? When it comes to bear sightings, the best time to drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is during the early morning or evening hours. Giant bears weigh up to 600pounds and are not easy to find, while the Females weigh around 100 pounds, and the males weigh at approx. So on your next trip, be sure to carry binoculars and a camera, keep a safe distance from the bears and you will certainly have the trip of a lifetime! Good luck and be safe! Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Want to get listed and grow your business? Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. It has some of the best hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing you'll find in the U.S. We're sharing the inside scoop with you so you can plan your next trip to the Smokies. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. While bears can be found throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to spot them due to its wide, open valley. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. In 2006, biologists estimated that the bear population in the national park was around 1,500, which means there is an average of two bears every square mile. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Furthermore, bears also snuggle up in dens during the winter that they make in tree trunks and hollow stumps or in shallow caves below boulders to avoid any disturbances by hikers. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. Giant bears weigh up to 600pounds and are not easy to find, while the Females weigh around 100 pounds, and the males weigh at approx. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains Date: March 28, 2022 Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park's famous black bear! You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 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